Oates bringing solo concert to Don Gibson

Published: Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 04:28 PM.

The melodies are catchy, but it’s the depth of the lyrics that have given the songs real staying power, Oates said.

“We started out as songwriters. We were not necessarily performers,” he said. “Songwriting is what brought us together, what matters to us and to this day is what the most important thing is individually and collectively.”

Oates said he did three times as many solo shows as he did shows with Hall, whom he has partnered with for more than 40 years. This year, his focus has shifted to recording songs for his fifth album. He plans to digitally release a single from the album monthly beginning in March or April before releasing the entire thing at the end of the year.

“The only shows I’m doing are shows like the one at Don Gibson,” he said. “I’m gearing up to do a lot more touring with Daryl.”

The consummate singer/songwriter – he and Hall were inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 – Oates said he’s honored that contemporary bands and musicians John Mayer, Rob Thomas, Death Cab for Cutie, Gym Class Heroes, Hot Chel Rae and the Killers cites Hall & Oates as influences.

“It feels good,” he said. “Personally, I’m old-school when it comes to that, that’s how it should be – older influences influencing younger musicians to go on and do something unique of their own.”

When John Oates comes to the Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby on Friday night, it won’t be like one of his Hall & Oates performances.

And it’s not just because he won’t have longtime music partner Daryl Hall in tow.

“The Hall & Oates machine is quite large and complicated and big and all those parts,” said Oates in a recent phone interview from Nashville. “I show up with a guitar and I play.”

In addition to a set sure to draw attention to a solo career that’s seen him release four albums since 1999, Oates will sprinkle in several of the classic songs that have made Hall & Oates the most successful duo of the rock era, with 10 No. 1 records, more than 80 million records sold and more than 20 top 40 hits.

He’ll also share the stories behind those songs.

“I think people enjoy the insight into what songwriters think and where they get their inspiration,” Oates said. “So many people have heard our songs, they’re so ubiquitous in so many ways but so many people don’t know much about them other than Daryl and I recorded them.”

They’re songs that stick in your head when you hear them, like “Kiss is on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “ I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” and “Out of Touch.” There’s also the 1982 hit “ Maneater ,” reportedly about the unforgiving nature of New York City, and “Rich Girl,” about a spoiled former ex-boyfriend of Hall’s former girlfriend Sara Allen.

The melodies are catchy, but it’s the depth of the lyrics that have given the songs real staying power, Oates said.

“We started out as songwriters. We were not necessarily performers,” he said. “Songwriting is what brought us together, what matters to us and to this day is what the most important thing is individually and collectively.”

Oates said he did three times as many solo shows as he did shows with Hall, whom he has partnered with for more than 40 years. This year, his focus has shifted to recording songs for his fifth album. He plans to digitally release a single from the album monthly beginning in March or April before releasing the entire thing at the end of the year.

“The only shows I’m doing are shows like the one at Don Gibson,” he said. “I’m gearing up to do a lot more touring with Daryl.”

The consummate singer/songwriter – he and Hall were inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 – Oates said he’s honored that contemporary bands and musicians John Mayer, Rob Thomas, Death Cab for Cutie, Gym Class Heroes, Hot Chel Rae and the Killers cites Hall & Oates as influences.

“It feels good,” he said. “Personally, I’m old-school when it comes to that, that’s how it should be – older influences influencing younger musicians to go on and do something unique of their own.”

I CAN GO FOR THAT

John Oates, one-half of the duo Hall & Oates, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday at the Don Gibson Theatre, 318 S. Washington St., Shelby. Oates, who will be accompanied by guitarist Pete Huttlinger , will play his original songs as well as some classic Hall & Oates tunes.

Tickets are $28.50. For more information, visit www.dgshelby.com or call 704-487-8114.